The UN is temporarily relocating non-essential staff from Goma in the Democratic Republic of the Congo on Saturday without interrupting its operations in the country at a time heightened security concerns.

Top UN officials raised alarm on Sunday over the worsening violence in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), expressing deep concern about the rapidly deteriorating situation. UN Assistant Secretary-General Joyce Msuya addressed the UN Security Council in an emergency meeting,

The United Nations is set to temporarily relocate non-essential staff from Goma in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, amidst heightened security concerns in the region.This is contained in a statement on Saturday by the UN mission in DR Congo,

The UN mission in DR Congo, MONUSCO, is relocating administrative staff and others in North Kivu that can continue performing their duties from elsewhere in response to the deteriorating security situation and intensifying hostilities involving the non-State armed group M23, a Rwandan-backed movement fighting against the Congolese Government.

The United Nations Security Council has called for an end to M23 rebel forces' offensive towards Goma in the Democratic Republic of Congo and urged regional 'external forces' to withdraw. They also expressed concern over GPS jamming affecting civil aviation and humanitarian aid delivery in North Kivu.

The Democratic Republic of Congo on Sunday called for the United Nations to sanction Rwanda, accusing its neighbour of issuing a "declaration of war" by sending more troops over the

United Nations chief Antonio Guterres on Sunday urged Rwanda to withdraw its forces from the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo where fierce fighting raged as Kigali-backed fighters closed in on the major city of Goma.

The M23 rebels announced the capture of Goma in a statement minutes before a 48-hour deadline imposed by the group for the Congolese army to surrender their weapons expired.

Footage shows troops, some in army uniform, handing over arms to Rwandan security officers after crossing into eastern neighboring country at the main border crossing in Rwanda's Rubavu district - Ana

UNITED NATIONS - Top UN officials expressed concern on Sunday about escalating violence in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). "The situation is deteriorating rapidly," UN Assistant Secretary-General Joyce Msuya told an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council.

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